A controversial bill affecting the operation of the state attorney general's office won approval in the Kentucky House today and is expected to get a favorable reception as it moves to a vote in the Senate.

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear

Credit Ag.Ky.Gov

In addition to requiring the attorney general to explain why outside counsel is needed, the bill sets a cap at $20 million dollars that an attorney can recover in any given case.

Providence Representative Jim Gooch said that can mean more dollars for taxpayers in large civil cases, “The more you have to pay one of these attorneys, the less money you’re going to get.”

“Why in the world would we put a cap on our attorney general’s office, regardless of what the party affiliation is, to go after folks and try to recover monies,” he said.

Bill sponsor Jason Nemes said the current Attorney General Andy Beshear already does much of the reporting called for in the bill, but will codifies it into law and sends money to taxpayers instead of attorneys.

Opponents such as Louisville Representative Jim Wayne argued the cap makes it harder for the Attorney General to sue big businesses when they cause harm to the state’s citizens.

“It’s another example of how corporations have infiltrated this body and are demanding that their rights be preserved,” said Wayne.

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The Kentucky Senate will consider a lengthy criminal justice reform bill after a Senate Judiciary Committee approved the measure without testimony and little debate.

The measure resulting from months of study focuses on ways to move more inmates into productive roles in society and save corrections dollars. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Whitney Westerfield said the legislation will improve public safety. “I think it will hold offenders accountable,” Westerfeld said. “I think it will reduce recidivism and reduce future crime.”

The Kentucky House Judiciary Committee has overwhelmingly approved legislation focused on reducing gang-related violence in the state.

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The bill makes recruitment of gang members a felony and defines a gang for criminal purposes as three or more people. Current law sets the standard at five or more. Louisville Assistant Police Chief Kim Kraeszig said last year 40 percent of a record number of homicides were under 26. “Last year we had over 400 shootings. We are losing so many lives in our community,” he said. “It’s ridiculous.”